The Northern Cartel : Spenna Nostra - mixed martial arts training

The tentacles of the Northern Cartel spread far and wide over the M62 corridor and at it’s furthest point, lies the lair of the Pontefract Pitbull, none other than ‘Dangerous’ Darren Currie; Darren and partner ‘Halcyon’ Helen have now moved from Knottingley Sports Centre, with it’s friendly and helpful staff and have set up their own den of destruction a mile and a half away from the sports centre. When coming off the A1 and taking a left to the sports centre, simply hang right and drive down to the Fox pub, take the next left and turn right onto an industrial estate; from there take the first left and the Combat Base Gym is the last building on the right.

Darren chokes with a smile

The gym comprises of two matted areas and is the permanent base for Darren and his band of merry men; this was to be the first visit since my trip to Scandinavia and of course, I was under orders of The Don to go to the club and make a report. The Monday night session consisted of jiu jitsu tuition according to the gospel of Matt Thornton and Chris Haueter, together with Darren’s own interpretations, which all adds up to a stimulating and thought provoking class. After a brief warm up, Darren took the class through the setting up of a gi choke and from this position on the ground, students worked defences and escapes and covered a number of ‘what if’ scenarios; after practising on a compliant partner, the theory of Matt’s Aliveness came into being, with one student attacking and one defending. Upon completion, only sparring remained — would the Iron Man should it’s face tonight? Fortunately for myself and Iron Man virgins, the Pitbull was in a kind mood and the sparring began, with blue belts and above being handicapped and only allowed to choke opponents with the techniques as taught that night.

Tick Tock

And that was it — another hardcore training session with yet another Cartel member. Combat Base Gym is well worth the visit, with classes on Monday and Thursday evenings and the infamous Saturday morning sessions, a class that has in the past, attracted the likes of The Don Himself, Mark Chen, Pud, Steve Muckle, Jim Burman, Andy Pyle, Jimmy Welsh, Chris Eastwood and a host of other ear maulers and neck twisters. Ladies self protection classes, weekend team training and privates also take place at the gym, something for everything it seems and all under one roof, with no leisure centre interference — bliss!

For more info check out www.combatsport.co.uk and make sure you take along a doggie bag for the Pitbull…